Southwest Carry-On Size & Rules

The Southwest carry-on bag size allowed for the overhead compartment is: 24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm) including wheels/handles. For personal items that you want to stow under-seat, the parameters are 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 in (41 x 34 x 20 cm) and the carry-on must fit fully under the seat. Passengers can carry one carry-on plus one personal item. Pet carriers count as either a carry-on or a personal item. The weight limit for your carry-ons is not sepcified, as long as it fits in its designated area.

Southwest Airlines Carry On Policy

What counts as a carry-on vs. personal item?

• Carry-on (24 x 16 x 10 in) → overhead bin: typical roller/small suitcase.
• Personal item (16.25 x 13.5 x 8 in) → under seat: purse, laptop bag, small backpack, camera bag, etc.
• Pet in cabin: The pet carrier counts as one item of your allowance (either the carry-on or the personal item). Keep the other item within size.

What is Allowed in Carry On (Southwest Examples)

Allowed in carry-on

✅ Medications, baby food/formula (declare liquids >3.4 oz when required)
✅ Small musical instruments that fit the overhead/under-seat space (larger instruments may need a purchased extra seat or to be checked).
✅ Coats, duty-free items bought after security, reading material, food from the terminal.

Not Allowed in carry-on

❌Souvenir alcohol over 3.4 oz can’t be opened onboard and must be properly packed per TSA; many sizes exceed 3.4 oz and aren’t allowed in carry-on.
❌ Sharp objects (e.g., large scissors, certain tools) are limited/restricted—check TSA.
❌ Oversized under-seat backpacks: the personal item limit is 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 in; if it won’t fit fully under the seat, it’s a carry-on.

Some quick advice:

• Liquids/gels in carry-on follow the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz / 100 ml max per container; all containers in one quart-size bag).
• Lithium batteries/power banks go in carry-on, not checked (FAA/TSA rule).

Southwest Airlines Carry On: Strollers, Car Seats, and Kid Gear

• Each ticketed customer traveling with a child may check one stroller and one car seat/CRS free of charge. These do not count toward your checked-bag allowance.
• You can also gate-check strollers/car seats at the jet bridge. (Oversize/weight rules still apply for other checked items.)

Southwest Airlines Personal Item Size by Seat

Under-seat space can vary a bit by aircraft/seat:

• Window & middle seats typically have more symmetrical space.
• Bulkhead and some aisle seats may have less under-seat clearance because of seat legs.

If your under the seat bag is close to the 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 limit, try to pick a non-bulkhead row when possible.

Southwest Airlines: Carry On Chart

Southwest Airlines: Do They Charge for Carry On?

Southwest Airlines does not charge for your standard one carry-on + one personal item when they meet size limits.

***Important 2025 update about checked bags: For reservations booked/ticketed on or after May 28, 2025, Southwest lists standard checked-bag fees and updated overweight/oversize charges. Size/weight for a standard checked bag remain 62 linear inches and 50 lb; fees apply beyond the allowance and vary by route (see fee table). Always verify during booking.***